Fuller Side Channel Well Conversion

This project resulted in the conversion of one surface water diversions to a groundwater well at RM 22 on the Methow River (Methow-Texas reach). The conversion eliminated the need for channel manipulations to maintain the diversion from one of the few side channels in the lower Methow River. The landowner no longer needs to remove the large wood in the side channel to keep their diversion functioning. Following completion of the new well test, the Owner removed the existing intake pipeline and screen from the river. Removal of the surface diversion removed the impacts to juvenile fish (entrainment) and removed the need for bed disturbance to maintain a pumping pool. The large wood structure in the side channel will now be allowed to persist as excellent juvenile rearing and adult holding habitat for Chinook and steelhead.

Two amendments were requested and approved over the duration of the project.
Amendment #1 was a no cost time extension to accommodate permitting delays. The amendment changed the completion date from Dec/2021 to Dec/2022.
Amendment # 2 was a cost increase to cover the additional cost of materials related to the project delay. The Amendment increased the total project budget from $40,110 to $43,917.

The goal of the project was to reduce conflict between an existing surface water diversion site and prioritized side channel habitat.
The goal was met by establishing a new groundwater well with sufficient capacity to meet the irrigation needs. Establishment of the
well removes the need for annual entry into the side channel for wood and sediment removal. This action directly improved instream
habitat for salmonids and steelhead as well as numerous non-target species in the Methow River.